CHAPTER 7: Rumors

The next morning, Damien stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his cufflinks as Selene was behind him, helping him with his tie. Her fingers moved with practiced ease, but there was a tightness to her touch, an urgency she didn’t bother to hide.

“We actually need to do something about Calla,” she murmured, eyes locked on the knot she was tightening.

Damien gave a short sigh, resting his hands on her hips. “I told you, I’ll handle it.”

“You said that last week,” she said, her voice sharp around the edges. “And the week before that.”

“I mean it this time, and I remember saying it last night. He met her gaze in the mirror, his voice firmer now. “I’ve got it under control.”

Selene offered a tight smile and leaned in to kiss his cheek, but her silence screamed louder than any words.

As soon as he left, the smile faded. The moment the front door clicked shut, Selene began pacing the length of the living room, her heels echoing sharply against the polished floor.

She didn’t believe him. Not really.

Maybe Damien had the mind for business, cold, calculating but when it came to Calla, he didn’t have the guts. That woman was still haunting him. Still his wife. Still refusing to sign the damn divorce papers. And Damien... Damien kept waiting, hoping she'd come around.

Selene's jaw clenched. Five years. Five years of meticulous planning, of seduction, of playing the perfect partner while working tirelessly behind the scenes to dismantle everything Calla stood on. She had earned her place beside him.

Yet here she was, still second.

Her nails dug into her palms, fists curling at her sides as a bitter taste filled her mouth. That fucking bitch just wouldn’t let go.

Maybe it was time to do something, just something, she can't afford to lose everything she has worked for.

*

*

Damien walked into his office, his mind still reeling from everything. He sat at his desk, staring out the window at the sprawling city below. Everything he’d built, the company, the success, the life he shared with Selene,it could all come crashing down if Call gets involved again.

He couldn’t let that happen.

With a determined set to his jaw, he picked up the phone, dialing a familiar number.

“Hello?” a gravelly voice answered.

“It’s me,” Damien said, his tone firm. “We have a problem.”

“Oh?” the voice on the other end replied, a hint of amusement evident. “What kind of problem?”

“It’s Calla,” Damien said, his grip on the phone tightening.

"Your ex-wife.?" The voice asked.

"The bitch hasn't even signed the divorce papers ." Damien said “She’s back. And she’s stirring up trouble.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by a low chuckle. “Well, well, well. Looks like the past has come back to bite you in the ass, huh?”

“Shut up and listen,” Damien snapped. “I need your help to take care of her.”

“Take care of her?” the voice echoed, a note of curiosity creeping in. “What exactly do you want me to do?, You want me to get rid of your ex-wife, is that right?”

"No, I just need you to find her and force her to get the fucking divorce paper signed." Damien replied.

“Hmm, and what are you willing to do for me in return?”

“Name your price,” Damien spat. “I just need this problem taken care of before it’s too late.”

The voice on the other end laughed, a cold, mirthless sound that sent a chill down Damien’s spine. “Oh, I think we can come to some sort of arrangement. Let me make a few calls. I’ll be in touch soon.”

The call ended abruptly, leaving Damien staring at the receiver in his hand. He set it back in its cradle, his mind racing.

"Mr Calloway, you have a meeting in 10 minutes with the board." His secretary's voice came over the intercom.

He stood, straightening his tie. “Thanks, I’m on my way”, he already knew what they wanted to discuss was about Calla out of prison and her being back in town.”

The board members were already seated when Damien entered the conference room. He took his place at the head of the table, a mask of confidence firmly in place.

“Good morning, everyone,” he greeted, his voice steady. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

There were murmurs of agreement around the table as he pulled out the meeting’s agenda.

“I’m sure many of you are aware of the recent news regarding my ex-wife,” Damien began, his tone measured. “I understand this may have caused some concerns about the stability of the company.”

He scanned the room, meeting the wary gazes of his board members.

“Let me assure you,” he continued, “the situation is under control. Calla has no claim to this company. Our legal team has reviewed every aspect of our operations, and we are confident that there is no risk of her interfering with our business dealings.”

“But Mr. Calloway,” one of the board members interrupted, “there are rumors that your ex-wife, as they as say is yet to be your ex-wife because you haven't actually been Divorced yet and again as they say you have another woman Miss Selene which makes the whole situation seem like an affair "

Damien’s jaw clenched, but he maintained his composure. “Those rumors are unfounded. My personal life has no bearing on the company’s success.”

“But–”

“I understand your concerns,” Damien cut in, his voice firm but controlled. “And I appreciate your vigilance. However, I must stress that this is a personal matter that will not impact our operations. We will continue to move forward as planned.”

He paused, surveying the room once more. “Are there any other questions regarding this matter?”

The room remained silent, the tension palpable. Damien nodded, moving on to the next item on the agenda.

“We need to stop these rumors, we need you to get married to miss selene as soon as possible, and of course have Calla divorced from you" one of the board members said.

Damien felt a knot in his stomach, but he nodded curtly. “ Mr Rogers, Understood. We will begin making arrangements immediately.”

As the meeting progressed, Damien couldn’t brush the feeling of unease that stayed in the back of his mind. He had set things in motion to protect himself, but he knew that in the world of high, stakes business, nothing was ever certain.